Ministerial Directory

Walker, W. J. - Vashti, Tex.
Gregory Presbytery

[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1906, page 184a]

Was born in Tennessee, July, 1861. He was converted and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Mt. Tabor in Hardin County, Tennessee, in 1872.

He came to Texas with his parents in 1878, and to Clay County in 1879. His father, Rev. W. C. Walker, was one of the charter members of Gregory Presbytery, in which Rev. W. J. Walker was received as a candidate for the ministry in 1890. On October 6, 1890, he was licensed to preach, and on April 18, 1891, ordained to the full work of the ministry. He continued active in this work for more than forty years.

He succeeded his father at New Port as pastor and they were the only pastors of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for more than forty years.

He was married to Miss Lillie Phillips December, 1883. To this union seven children were born, two dying in infancy.

Those remaining are: Rev. E. DeWitt of Dill City, Oklahoma, W. L. of La Veta, Colorado, L. E. of Vashti, Texas, Mrs. Roy Hodges and Mrs. Roy Thompson of Wichita Falls, Texas; fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren are also left; his second wife, Mrs. Fannie Walker, who was faithful and kind to him in his affliction.

Brother Walker was loved and honored by a host of friends of other denominations as well as his own. In his ministry he held as pastor the strongest churches of Gregory Presbytery. He was a presbyter and counselor of great value. Few have attained his equal and no one in this section has surpassed him in his work.

He departed this life December 11, 1940; age 79 years, 5 months, 10 days. His funeral was conducted by B. L. Baits, assisted by Revs. P. S. Warren, R. L. Patterson of M. E. church, lifelong friends and Rev. Mr. Dennis, pastor of the M. E. church at Vashti.

He was laid to rest at Vashti. "Truly a Prince in Israel has fallen."

For more than thirty-four years I have known him. We will miss him much.--B. L. Baits.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, January 16, 1941, page 14]

Report of the Committee on Mortuary

Gregory--Rev. W. J. Walker died December 11, 1940, aged 79 years. Retired.

[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1941, page 139]